What did Harry Farr say in his own defence?

Question

The 445 words that Private Harry Farr spoke in his defence in October 1916 were insufficient to save his life. How can I find the transcript of the proceedings?

Answer 1

Here. http://www.shotatdawn.org.uk/page13.html

This is what the poor devil said



On 16th Sept. 1916 when going up to the trenches with my Company I fell out sick. I could not find the Co. Officer to obtain permission or the Sergt. I asked has now been wounded. I went back to the 1st Line Transport arriving there about 2 a.m. on 17th September 1916. I would have reported at once to the Reg. Sgt. Maj. only I was told he was asleep. I reported about 9 a.m. on 17th Sept. The Sergt. Maj. told me to go to the advanced dressing station - they however would not see me there as I was not wounded. The Sgt. Maj. told me to go up with the ration party at night.

I started with this party & had to fall out sick - I could not get permission as I was in the rear & the Sergt. Maj. was in front, but left word with a Private soldier.

I returned to the 1st Line Tpt. hoping to report sick to some medical officer there. On the Sgt. Major's return I reported to him & said I was sick & could not stand it. He then said, "You are a ******* coward & you will go to the trenches. I give **** all for my life & I give **** all for yours & I'll get you ******* well shot". The Sergt. Maj., Co.Q.M.S. Booth, & Pte. Farrar then took me up towards the Trenches. We went about a mile when we met a carrying party returning under L.Cp. Form - the Sergt. Maj. asked L.Cp. Form where I was & he replied, "Run away, same as he did last night". I said to the Sergt. Major "You have got this all made up for me".

The Sgt. Maj. then told L. Cp. Form to fall out two men & take me up to the Trenches. They commenced to shove me - I told them not to as I was sick enough as it was. The Sgt. Maj. then grabbed my rifle & said, "I'll blow your ******* brains out if you don’t go". I then called out for an officer but there were none there. I was then tripped up & commenced to struggle. After this I do not know what happened until I found myself back in the 1st Line Transport under a guard. If the escort had not started to shove me about I would have gone up to the Trenches: it was on account of their doing this that I commenced to struggle.

Cross examined by Prosecutor:

Q: Did you have an opportunity of reporting sick between 16th Sept. & 2nd October?

A: Yes - after I was put under arrest on 18th September.

Questioned by the Court:

Q: Why did you not report sick after 18th September up to the present date?

A: Because being away from the shell fire, I felt better.